Don’t Drift Away
by: Ann Allen Salter
April 30, 2025
“We must pay careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
Let’s take a brief dive into a few incredible verses from the book of Hebrews. “We must pay careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away” (New International Version, Hebrews 2:1). The Greek word for “drift away,” only used once in the entire Bible, refers to “sinning by slipping away” from the truth of the Word. The abandoned boat in the photo drifted away little by little because it was no longer anchored. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure…” (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus is our one and only anchor. We will not sin by drifting away if we stay anchored to Jesus through His Alive Word.
Can I stay anchored to Jesus and not be in His Word? Well, the Bible answers that question straight up in John 1 by telling us that we can’t separate Jesus from His Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…” (John 1:1,14). The Word of God is the anchor that holds our lives, period. Let me briefly share some incredible research findings from The Center of Bible Engagement (*details provided in a link below). When believers are in the Word either once, twice, or three times a week there is negligible effect on their lives, but when the frequency is increased to four times a week or more, there is a profound effect. According to the study “the stunning findings included the following: 1) Feeling lonely drops 30%; 2) Anger issues drop 32%; 3) Bitterness in relationships drops 40%; 4) Alcoholism drops 57%; 5) Sex outside of marriage drops 68%; 6) Feeling spiritually stagnant drops 60%; 7) Viewing pornography drops 61%; 8) Sharing your faith jumps 200%; 9) Discipling others jumps 230%.”
The warning of Hebrews 2:1 is for every day and every season because nothing is easier to do than to slowly drift away. Our flesh and our enemy are working over-time for that possibility. Summer months are just around the corner and with all of the wonderful positives let’s not forget that it will take discipline to stay in prayer and the Word consistently. One, two, or three times a week won’t hold that anchor firmly. “Meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8).
Worship: Word of God Speak
Prayer
Father, we thank you for your Alive Word. Please forgive us for the times we’ve sinned against you by drifting away from the truth of Your Word. “Turn our eyes from worthless things; preserve our lives according to your Word” (Psalm 119:37). Give us a greater hunger for Your Word and Your Spirit. Thank you for all the possibilities we have in You in this upcoming summer season. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done in and through each of us. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen!
Further Study
Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:23
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Can I stay anchored to Jesus and not be in His Word? Well, the Bible answers that question straight up in John 1 by telling us that we can’t separate Jesus from His Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…” (John 1:1,14).